U.P. road, bridge projects scheduled

March 28, 2013

MARQUETTE - The Michigan Department of Transportation said it will invest about $44 million in road and bridge projects this year across the Upper Peninsula.

The projects will improve 115 miles of roads at a cost of $41 million and repair nine bridges in projects totaling $3.3 million.

"While working within available funding, MDOT remains committed to maintaining Michigan's transportation system," said Randy Van Portfliet, MDOT Superior Region engineer and bureau director of field services. "Our 2013 construction program is geared toward preserving our roads and bridges, while improving safety for all users and supporting economic growth."

Article Photos

This bridge over the Anna River along M-28 in Munising will be worked on this summer as part of several projects being funded by the Michigan Department of Transportation. (MDOT photo)

MDOT is responsible for 1,830 miles of state highway and 302 bridges in the U.P.

Some of the major projects on the improvements list include work in Chippewa, Houghton, Alger, Menominee and Iron counties.

In Alger County, a $235,000 project will repair the deck of the M-28 bridge over the Anna River in Munising. Construction is scheduled from June to August. Traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals.

There are two major projects in Chippewa County. One will be on the I-75 Business Spur, which is an $812,000 project to repair the deck and replace the barrier wall on the 3 Mile Road bridge in Sault Ste. Marie. Construction is scheduled from May to September. Traffic will be controlled with temporary traffic signals and a detour for westbound 3 Mile Road traffic on I-75 and Mackinac Trail.

The second Chippewa County project is a $5.2 million project to resurface 11.1 miles of M-28 from west of Raco to M-221. Construction is scheduled from May to October. Traffic shifts will be in effect, as well as lane closures under flag control.

In Houghton County, there will be a $3 million project reconstructing 0.9 miles of M-26 in the village of Laurium, from South Calumet Street to Calumet Street, which will include historic streetscape elements. Construction is scheduled from May to October. Traffic will be controlled with a detour on city streets and lane closures under flag control.

In Menominee County, a $5.7 million project will reconstruct one mile of M-35 from the U.S. 41 intersection to 48th Avenue in the city of Menominee. Construction is scheduled from April to October. Construction will be controlled with a detour on city streets.

In Iron County, MDOT will fund a $3.5 million project to reconstruct 1.2 miles of M-189 from north of Hiawatha Road to Genesee Street in the city of Iron River. Construction is scheduled from April to October. Traffic will be controlled with a temporary traffic signal, detour on city streets, and daytime lane closures under flag control.